Is West Tamiami 5 safe?
Tamiami, Florida · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates West Tamiami 5 as “Go”.
Gogo's take on West Tamiami 5
“Go. West Tamiami is a quiet, predominantly Hispanic suburban enclave in western Miami-Dade County that is generally very safe for visitors and residents alike. While it lacks major tourist draws and requires a vehicle for almost all errands, crime rates are low and residential streets are well-maintained.”
About the area
Located along the western edge of the Miami metropolitan area, West Tamiami is defined by single-family subdivisions, townhouse complexes, and strip-mall shopping plazas. It offers an authentic look at everyday suburban life in South Florida with strong Cuban, Venezuelan, and broader Latin American cultural influences.
- Suburban
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
- Quiet
Walking and biking in West Tamiami 5
Walk score: 42/100 · Bike score: 48/100
There is no city bike-share program in this sector, and dedicated cycling infrastructure is minimal beyond standard sidewalks and wide road shoulders.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are consistently below both county and national averages
- High rate of homeownership and stable middle-class residential neighborhoods
- Low poverty and minimal residential vacancy
Cons
- Extremely car-dependent with high traffic congestion on major arterials like SW 8th Street
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes like vehicle break-ins in commercial parking lots
- Sparse public recreation facilities within immediate walking distance
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in this residential suburban area, with only rare panhandling near major commercial intersections.
What West Tamiami 5 is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and busy with local school and commuter traffic; very safe for neighborhood morning walks.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm residential vibe with moderate activity around strip mall shopping centers and supermarkets.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet suburban streets with active neighborhood restaurants and retail centers; safe and family-oriented.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very low foot traffic and quiet residential roads, with standard suburban safety precautions advised.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is managed by Miami-Dade Transit, primarily serviced by Metrobus routes along SW 8th Street and SW 137th Avenue; there is no direct Metrorail or BRT access nearby.
Parking is readily available and completely free in private driveways, residential streets, and ample commercial strip-mall surface lots.
Things to do in West Tamiami 5
- Sample authentic Cuban bakery items and coffee at local panaderias along SW 8th Street
- Shop at neighborhood strip plazas catering to Latin American groceries and specialty goods
- Take a short drive west to explore the eastern gateway of the Florida Everglades
Local favorites
- Pinecrest Bakery - Tamiami · Cuban Bakery · 4.3★ (1150)Popular 24-hour Cuban bakery and cafe serving pastelitos, sandwiches, and strong espresso.
- El Atlakat · Salvadoran Restaurant · 4.4★ (890)Casual, enduring eatery known for authentic pupusas, plantains, and Central American specialties.
- Taqueria Viva Mexico Tamiami · Mexican Restaurant · 4.5★ (520)Low-key neighborhood taco joint serving authentic street-style tacos and housemade salsas.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.